Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous The mantra heading into second-quarter results is that another display of stupendous growth of 24% over a year earlier makes equities appear quite reasonably priced. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 July 2026 Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.
    Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The half-day Istanbul tour was amazing, with a visit to Zeyrek Mosque, exploring the Basilica Cistern, and wandering the Spice Market, alive with the most fragrant foodstuffs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The ubiquitous carbon fiber looks amazing, of course, from the wide front intake to the active-aero winglets, fairings, the seat subframe, and even the license plate holder hanging off the tail.
    Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Wong starred in, scripted, directed, and produced her own documentary about her travels, an astonishing feat at a time when Dorothy Arzner and Ida Lupino were two of the very few female directors in Hollywood.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Mackie debuted his signature style of lavish gowns, astonishing headpieces and dance-friendly designs in 1966 when he was enlisted by Gaynor to design the energetic singer-dancer’s costumes for her Las Vegas revue and subsequent television specials.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian went viral following his team’s miraculous 24-23 comeback against Ohio State this past Saturday after running off from a postgame interview with ESPN’s Holly Rowe.
    Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • He was given the Last Rites by a priest in the hospital before making a miraculous recovery.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Panic of 1837—perhaps the worst of them all—gave rise to a long series of marvelous psychoses culminating in Know-Nothingism, which flourished around a dozen years after the crash.
    J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • O’Flynn is marvelous—brittle one moment, wonderfully funny the next—and her easy chemistry with Johnson gives the film its pulse.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • But Crow-Armstrong, through an incredible early-season approach adjustment combined with tweaks to his stance and hand placement, keeps putting on a show with his power production.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • With stunning use of practical effects and an incredible lead performance, this is one of the best horror films of the 2020s.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Even more surprising is how little these signatures have changed over billions of years.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The state AGs and the WGA filed suit in July after federal regulators had approved the deal, and gained surprising traction in a series of early court rulings, giving opponents of the merger hope it would be curtailed or even fully blocked.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • With stunning use of practical effects and an incredible lead performance, this is one of the best horror films of the 2020s.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Banner Elk is ideally located near some of the most stunning stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
    Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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